Prix Versailles 2026 honours Guwahati Airport Terminal 2 among world’s most beautiful

Terminal 2 at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport (LGBIA) in Guwahati has entered Prix Versailles’ list of the world’s most beautiful airports for 2026. The Adani Group-managed airport was named among the top seven globally. A company statement on Monday said the recognition covered design, sustainability, and passenger-focused planning.

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Prix Versailles is a yearly international award for architecture and design. It has been presented at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris since 2015. The award reviews newly opened airports and terminals. It highlights contemporary projects that combine distinct architecture with modern airport needs and changing public expectations.

Prix Versailles world’s most beautiful airports list 2026 includes LGBIA and NMIA

The company statement said LGBIA was one of two Indian airports in the 2026 list. The other was Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). NMIA is also managed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL). AAHL is described as the country’s largest private airport operator.

Five other airports were also listed by Prix Versailles for 2026. They were Guangzhou in China and Frankfurt am Main in Germany. The remaining airports were Kandal Stueng in Cambodia, plus Pittsburgh and San Diego in the United States. The list placed Guwahati’s Terminal 2 alongside these international hubs.

Prix Versailles recognition highlights Terminal 2 design and sustainability

The statement said Guwahati’s LGBIA sits at a key junction of South and Southeast Asia. It described the airport as a gateway to Northeast India. The region was noted for ecological diversity and indigenous heritage. The statement linked the terminal’s concept with local identity and natural themes.

According to the statement, Terminal 2 draws from the "biophilic elegance of the Bamboo Orchid\". It said the design honoured the region’s biodiversity. It also described the terminal as having a functional and sustainable outer structure. The company added that the approach supported modern operations and passenger movement.

Prix Versailles listing draws response from Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed the recognition in a post on X. Sarma said it showed global attention for a style combining regional culture and nature. Sarma said, \"The world is taking note of Assams architectural identity. The new terminal of @GuwahatiAirport has been featured in the prestigious Prix Versailles Worlds Most Beautiful Airports List 2026, earning global recognition for a design that seamlessly blends indigenous art, local craftsmanship and nature-inspired narratives.\"

Sarma also called it a proud moment for the \"Gateway to the North East\". The Terminal 2 building serves the only international airport in the North East region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the terminal in December last year. The mention in Prix Versailles placed the terminal within a small global group.

Prix Versailles listing prompts comment from AAHL spokesperson

AAHL said the selection supported its approach to airport development. \"We are honoured to see our airports recognised on a global platform and remain committed to delivering world-class experiences that position India among the leading aviation markets of the world. The recognition validates our focus on developing infrastructure which is at par with the best in architectural excellence with functionality, sustainability and operational efficiency,\" a spokesperson of AAHL said.

With inputs from PTI